LOS ANGELES (KABC) — Whether she’s on a television screen or working in a dance studio, Debbie Allen is an unforgettable presence.
On Tuesday, the Los Angeles City Council presented Allen with a citation recognizing his outstanding career achievements and contributions to Los Angeles.
“This means a lot because it’s so important to be in a community where you feel not only loved but supported and respected,” Allen said. “And that’s exactly what we received from the city council today. It tells us we’re doing the right thing, but we have to do more.”
During the City Council meeting, a dance performance by members of the Debbie Allen Dance Academy was held in front of Councillor Heather Hutt, who presented Allen with a certificate.
“When I think about Juneteenth, that’s what happened. We danced,” Hutt said. “You saw the kids dancing earlier, they were moving freely. It was part of something that came from within. [Allen] He is truly the right person to dedicate this day to.”
The celebration of Juneteenth continued with a Juneteenth Feast, where members of the Debbie Allen Dance Academy spoke about the significance of the day.
“Just being recognized at City Hall is a big deal, because not many cities do this,” said Sarah Anindo Marshall, a dance instructor at the Debbie Allen Dance Academy. “To be able to honor Miss Allen, to honor Juneteenth, and to be able to do this is just amazing.”
“I think it’s so important that the community remembers the great work that Debbie Allen and Norm Nixon continue to do,” said Karen McDonald, director of Debbie Allen Dance Academy.
Through all of this, Allen still maintains the same mentality.
“I’m still that 8-year-old kid who was trying to get into a dance academy because I was black,” she said. “I want to give this back to kids. That’s what kids need right now.”
This presentation is just the beginning of Juneteenth celebrations in Los Angeles, with many more Juneteenth events planned throughout the weekend in the city.
Copyright © 2024 KABC Television, LLC. All rights reserved.